Mentum

Mentum with broad median area, paler than laterals and sometimes laterally notched, often paler than laterals; flanked by 7 pairs of dark, lateral teeth. Ventromental plates each about 2x as high as wide, 3/4 width of mentum, weakly striate. Setae submenti simple.

Maxilla

Palp well-developed, longer than basal antennal segment.

Body

With claws of posterior parapods simple.

Notes

Taxonomic Notes

The form of the pecten epipharyngis, a single distally trifid scale, is sufficient to distinguish Harnischia larvae from all other Chironomini.

Ecological Notes

Larvae of Harnischia occur in soft sediments of lakes and larger rivers. The genus has a worldwide distribution, with possible exception of the Neotropical region. There are perhaps eight known Holarctic species, several of which, according to Sæther (1971a), are tentatively placed as their immature stages are unknown.